NFL

Marcus Mariota, ball-hungry D show Titans have tools to contend in AFC

6:47 PM ET

  • Cameron WolfeESPN

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    • Covered the Broncos for two seasons with the Denver Post
    • Graduate of the University of Houston
    • A native of Jackson, Miss.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — It took a game to knock off the rust, but the Tennessee Titans looked like the AFC contender they were built to be, and more, Saturday against the Carolina Panthers in their second preseason game.

Marcus Mariota got even closer to the quarterback the Titans saw during their peak last season by accurately completing passes, using his legs to make plays and having the pocket presence to make the correct read. He hit Delanie Walker in the back of the end zone for his first touchdown of the preseason in the first quarter.

Titans coach Mike Mularkey challenged the offense after their lackluster preseason opener against the New York Jets a week ago. Mariota, running back Derrick Henry and the Titans’ bevy of receiving options responding with up-tempo play, long chain-moving drives and touchdowns.

“It was a lot better. I thought we came out fast, made a couple big plays, were able to go down and score,” Mariota said. “We’ve just got to continue to build this momentum, build the foundation and get ready for the season.”

Marcus Mariota was efficient on Saturday, going 6-for-8 passing for 61 yards and a touchdown. Mark Zaleski/AP Photo

Mularkey agreed, saying he was “pretty pleased” with the Titans’ response, particularly from the starters who jumped out to a 17-0 lead during their first-quarter action. Tennessee held on for a 34-27 win.

The biggest positive outside of the offense’s resurgence was how often Tennessee’s defenders got their hands on the football. Two first-quarter turnovers led to 14 Titans points. That’s a recipe for winning.

QB depth chart: The Titans’ backup quarterback battle continued Saturday, with Matt Cassel looking solid in his first action of the preseason. He finished 8-of-13 for 88 yards and found Tre McBride for a would-be touchdown in the end zone, but the pass was dropped. Cassel also turned heads by running through a tackle attempt by Panthers linebacker Jeremy Cash. Alex Tanney improved upon his two-turnover performance in the opener, finishing 7-of-12 for 85 yards. Cassel appears to be the No. 2 quarterback, with the question being if Tanney will remain on the active roster as the No. 3 quarterback.

When it was starters vs. starters, the Titans looked …: Invigorated. Mariota started the game hitting rookie receiver Taywan Taylor for a 20-yard completion over the middle to get the crowd involved early. Tennessee’s offensive line had a drastic improvement keeping Mariota completely clean and the defense was the biggest catalyst for the day, forcing two turnovers in the Panthers’ side of the field. The Titans simply looked faster, more physical and better than they did last week.

One reason to be concerned: Penalties were one of the few negatives out of the Titans’ play Saturday. Tennessee committed 11 penalties for 93 yards. A couple of penalties in early drives forced them to work harder for scores and it was an apparent issue late in the game. The preseason is a good time to work out those issues, and Mularkey will certainly mention it.

Rookie watch: Taylor splashed from the first play and throughout the game. The third-round pick out of Western Kentucky has taken advantage of injuries to Eric Decker, Corey Davis and Tajae Sharpe by making plays in each game. He finished with three catches for 41 yards and will force the Titans to figure out ways to put him on the field.

Bounce back: Cornerback Logan Ryan gave himself an “F” after a rough performance last week against the Jets, giving up three completions, including a 53-yard catch. He responded Saturday by forcing a fumble on the Panthers’ first drive. That turnover led to a Titans touchdown. The starting secondary didn’t give up any big passing plays, either. There was a lot to be excited about for Ryan and the Titans’ defense. “Excellent,” Ryan said. “But that’s what we expect.”

Injuries to watch: Running back DeMarco Murray did not play, a mild surprise after Mularkey said he anticipated him playing earlier this week. Murray suffered a hamstring injury on Aug. 2 and returned to full-practice action this week. Decker (ankle) and Davis (hamstring) also were among those who sat out on Saturday. Fullback Jalston Fowler suffered a thigh bruise during a Titans kickoff return and did not return.

Locking up a roster spot? No Titans player had a better day than running back David Fluellen, who finished with 10 rushes for 76 yards and two catches for 15 yards and a touchdown. He also made a great tackle on special teams. Fluellen is the leader for the No. 3 running back spot, and his leading competition, seventh-round pick Khalfani Muhammad, had one carry for 1 yard.

No overtime award: Fluellen had the best day, but Aaron Wallace is the true award winner because his strip sack with two minutes left in the game saved everyone from preseason overtime. One play later, Fluellen punched it in for a 3-yard touchdown to put the Titans up 34-27.